10 ATLANTIC AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. 



directioo of the ranges of mountains, hills and valleys. These ranges therefore diffei 

 ntiallj m i li< -i i mode ol formation from those of the Highland or Eastern sections; 

 tin- latter having been occasioned by an elevatory force, which lias raised them up above 

 the surrounding levels, while the former are due to agencies of depression and abrasion. 

 We have, however, elements which assimilate the olimate in each. 

 In tins district, also, the nature of the formations has determined the nature of the sin 

 - well as that of the soil and its productions. The limestones are discontinued as 

 well as the limestone -hale-. This element, therefore, so essential to some crops, is not so 

 abundantly furnished as in the lower rocks. Not that it is entirelj absent; for most rocks, 

 although they may nol effervesce with acids, will furnish lime on analysis. The adapta- 

 t .11-. therefore, of the Fifth or Southern district, are of a different order, and not less 

 valuable than those of tin \Y< -h in or Eastern. The pure streams which tlow front the 

 siliceous rocks render the pastures green and fresh, the grass sweet and nourishing, and 

 impart health and activity to the flocks and herds which tenant the glades and valleys. 



VI. lie- Atlantic district comprehends Long island. Ii is a gift from Ocean's waves, 

 or from Neptune's hand : sands washed from the deep by waves from the broad sea break- 

 ing open the skin- of land, and casting up the debris of a wasted continent. It stretches 

 far away in a BOUtheast direction, in the form of an immense ridge of sand and drift : or, 

 in more common language, is an alluvial formation of a very porous character. It rises 

 three hundred feet above the sen. It has an indented shore; and by constant nursing, its 

 soil is productive and easily tilled. Its position makes it a mean term between the north 

 and south. It is the grand rendezvous for birds of passage. Here they resort from the 

 arctic reir."iis. and find a retreat from the pinching frosts of a northern winter; and from 

 the tropics, i" escape a burning sun, and find protection from the heats of summer. 



The maize which is cultivated here, is intermediate between southern and northern corn, 

 the length of summer permitting a larger variety than central New-York. The depressing 

 agents are winds loaded with vapor. Exposed places are less productive than those which 

 are sheltered. Hence, the south side, being directly exposed to tin- Atlantic gales, shows 

 a more barren aspect and a more shrubby vegetation titan the northern side of the island, 

 where the slope of the land defends it from those depressing effects. 



